When to plant Basil in Smith County, KS
The best window to plant Basil in Smith County, is April 30–May 21, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 23; first frost October 14.
When to Plant Basil in Smith County, KS
Basil is a fragrant warm-season herb essential to Italian and Thai cuisines. It comes in many varieties including sweet, Thai, purple, and lemon types.
Smith County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,048 feet, Smith County receives approximately 26.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Basil to ensure they mature before fall.
Smith County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Basil Planting Timeline — Smith County, KS
Basil Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Sep 3 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–75 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Smith County
Growing Tips for Smith County
Start seeds indoors or direct sow after last frost. Pinch flower buds to extend leaf production. Harvest leaves from the top down, cutting just above a leaf pair.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Isolate 150 ft between varieties. Different basil species can cross.
Basil in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Basil in Smith County, KS?
Smith County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your Basil planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Smith County, KS?
Smith County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 14.
When should I plant Basil in Smith County, KS?
In Smith County, KS, plant Basil after the last frost (around April 23) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Smith County, KS for Basil?
Smith County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Basil grows reliably in zones 4a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Basil grow in Smith County's climate?
Yes — Basil grows well in Smith County's temperate climate. Smith County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 23 and first frost around October 14.
Your Smith County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Smith County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.